You have heard of ‘friendly’ gut bacteria, right? That phrase that’s used in advertising to promote a certain probiotic yoghurt drink that is said to promote a healthy gut? Beneficial pond bacteria is similar.
If you’re new to owning a pond or are planning to build one, it’s useful to know a little about the natural processes that go into keeping it healthy. Even though you may use, or plan to use, a pond filter and clarifier, that’s only part of what goes into a healthy pond. To find out more about beneficial bacteria for ponds and how to introduce it into your own pond, read on for all of the important details below.
What are beneficial pond bacteria?
Beneficial pond bacteria are those billions of bacteria that work night and day to help keep your pond healthy and your fish happy. There are aerobic bacteria that work fast to help achieve balance and anaerobic bacteria, which are slower-moving but equally effective.
You would typically find anaerobic bacteria in places like the pond filter, working at a slower pace as part of the nitrogen cycle. This type of bacteria also digests soluble phosphorus into calcium phosphate and calcium iron phosphate, both of which can occur within the water.
Both types contribute heavily to the nitrogen cycle, something you’re going to have to become very familiar with as a pond owner. This is the natural process of pulling nitrogen from the air, metabolising it into ammonia, and processing it into nitrite.
This all happens naturally, but must be kept in balance to keep the pond healthy. Too much ammonia, and the pH level climbs too high. Too much nitrate, and you’ll cause algae blooms.
The nitrate cycle and healthy ponds
All ponds will eventually reach equilibrium where the plants, fish, and bacteria balance the nitrate cycle to a healthy level. This cycle can take around 80 days, depending on the size of the pond.
In new ponds, this is called ‘new pond syndrome’. You build a new system, introduce new plants, water, and fish, and have to wait quite a while before everything finds its place in the world.
Once a pond reaches equilibrium, it can safely sustain healthy life and should be maintained at that level for as long as possible. Much of this will be achieved by beneficial bacteria playing a big part in the nitrogen cycle.
At this time, regular water testing can be useful. Testing every couple of weeks as your pond beds in will show how much ammonia, nitrite and nitrate are in your water by the pH level. Some tests will also show you what else is in the water, but it’s the pH you need to be most careful with.
How to grow beneficial bacteria for ponds
You will introduce beneficial bacteria when you add rainwater, plants, rocks or stones and other natural elements to your pond. You can also add manmade cultures that contain billions of beneficial pond bacteria to kick-start the process.
You can buy specific products that you can introduce to your pond water with the full range of beneficial bacteria within them. You don’t need these products, as it will all happen naturally anyway. But if you want to get things moving, or you need to improve the health of your pond a little, they won’t hurt.
While it’s much better to help your pond reach a natural equilibrium, there is nothing wrong with giving it a helping hand.
Can you put too much beneficial bacteria in a pond?
You cannot overdose on healthy bacteria, so don’t be afraid to add any compounds that include them. They will self-regulate their population according to the nutrients available. We know of no negative outcomes from using beneficial pond bacteria products.
How often should I add beneficial bacteria to my pond?
You can add beneficial bacteria to your pond with specialised products. However, it will naturally grow within your pond given time, so it isn’t typically necessary.
For good measure, it's a good idea to use these products once a year in the spring, after winter’s temperatures have affected bacterial growth in your pond.
How to keep a pond healthy
Beneficial pond bacteria are just one of many components of a healthy pond. Everything depends on having enough oxygen to operate, including aerobic bacteria. This means using the right pond pump for the size of the pond and an effective clarifier to minimise algae and harmful bacteria.
Look closely at your pond plants as they also contribute to the nitrogen cycle, help clean the water and generate oxygen. Plants absorb phosphates that are produced by other natural processes. Keeping control of both nitrate and phosphate levels is key to a healthy pond.
Beneficial bacteria and healthy ponds
Beneficial pond bacteria can be thought of just like healthy gut bacteria. They’re very similar to those billions of microorganisms that help the body remain healthy, absorb nutrients and process otherwise harmful compounds.
This beneficial pond bacteria offsets harmful processes and helps keep everything working in harmony. However, the bacteria also need a healthy environment in which to thrive, which is where you come in. Keep your water oxygenated, use a pond pump, pond filter and clarifier, manage your plants, and keep an eye on fish stock levels.
Don’t be afraid to adjust these aspects as needed when things go out of balance, but do so carefully and in the right direction. Over time, your pond will establish a natural balance and order, and your fish should thrive!
Innovative fish pond supplies from Closer Pets
Now that you know what beneficial bacteria for ponds are and their benefits, you can introduce them into your own pond to create an ideal environment for your fish. If you’re curious to learn other ways to improve your pond, our pet advice section has more useful guides featuring our best suggestions.
At Closer Pets, we stock a diverse range of quality fish pond supplies, including our pond filters, pond pumps, and automatic fish feeders. With these products, you can simplify your life and keep both your pond and your finned friends as healthy as can be.
If you have questions about our cat products, dog products, or pond supplies, get in touch with us today, and we’ll be happy to help you.